NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE OPENS IN WINNIPEG THANKS TO FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP

Winnipeg, Manitoba—Representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments gathered here today to celebrate the official opening of the new Sturgeon Heights Community Centre.

The Silver Heights and Sturgeon Creek community centres were amalgamated into a new 18,000-sq.-ft. energy-efficient facility that features a multi-purpose room, four change rooms and a 5,950-sq.-ft. gymnasium, one of the largest community centre gyms in the city. This $5.63-million project is currently applying for LEED Gold designation.

“Once again we are seeing the benefits of our valuable investments and strategic partnerships under Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). “Our Government is proud to have invested in the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre, which families, youth and the entire city of Winnipeg will enjoy for decades to come.”

“Recreational sports and social gatherings are what pull communities together and link neighbourhoods as children and families engage in healthy activities in a safe environment like the new Sturgeon Heights Community Centre,” said Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau, who attended the event on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Projects like this clearly demonstrate our support of sport, health and community growth for people of all ages in Manitoba.”

“This new facility represents the hard work and dedication of the amalgamated community centre board, community residents and all levels of government,” said Winnipeg Councillor Scott Fielding. “I am so proud to have played a role in this new centre which will be the jewel of our community for generations.”

“Our new facility provides the residents of Silver Heights and Sturgeon Creek a state-of-the-art community centre,” said Sturgeon Heights Community Centre President Linda Smiley. “Today’s opening is the culmination of the tireless dedication of our committee members and the long-term vision of our three levels of government. This new facility will be enjoyed and utilized for decades to come, truly bridging our past with the present and future.”

The Government of Canada committed $1.5 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund managed by Infrastructure Canada. The Government of Manitoba contributed $1.63 million, while the City of Winnipeg contributed $2.5 million toward this $5.63-million project.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supported more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. The federal government committed close to $140 million to 111 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Manitoba.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on creating new opportunities for jobs and growth, and securing long-term prosperity for Canadians. Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy. Over the course of the summer and fall, the Government of Canada will be engaging provinces, territories and other stakeholders to develop a long-term infrastructure plan. To learn more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012, visit www.budget.gc.ca/2012/home-accueil-eng.html.